Honanki Trail

Trail class 2, grade 5 to 8 percent, and a length near 7.05 miles: that is the shape of Mooney Trail. It lies on the Coconino National Forest, in the Red Rock Ranger District, and shows up on maps as trail 12. Nothing is paved. The surface is native material, dirt and rock as found. Wear shoes with grip and take care on loose rock. Phone service is patchy out here, so save a map to your phone first. Step to the side and let horses pass when you meet riders. Sun is strong most of the year, so a hat and sunscreen help.

Trail class 2, grade 5 to 8 percent, and a length near 4.77 miles: that is the shape of Loy Canyon Trail. It lies on the Coconino National Forest, in the Red Rock Ranger District, and shows up on maps as trail 5. Nothing is paved. The surface is native material, dirt and rock as found. Sun is strong most of the year, so a hat and sunscreen help. Start back with enough daylight left to finish. Wear shoes with grip and take care on loose rock. Phone service is patchy out here, so save a map to your phone first.

Red Cliff Trail is public land walking in the Coconino National Forest, 0.32 miles of it, managed by the Red Rock Ranger District close to Sedona, Arizona. Grades run 5-8%, so the climbing is gradual, and the footing is plain dirt and rock. It carries the number 62 and is held to class 2 standards. Rain and snowmelt can leave the footing slick, and washes may hold water for a day or two. Pack water and a hat. Shade comes and goes, and afternoons heat up fast. The Red Rock Ranger District can tell you about closures and any pass you need to leave a car at the start.

Palatki Ruins Loop is public land walking in the Coconino National Forest, 0.6 miles of it, managed by the Red Rock Ranger District close to Sedona, Arizona. Dirt and rock underfoot, with a 5-8% grade that climbs steadily rather than sharply. It carries the number 80 and is held to class 3 standards. Rain and snowmelt can leave the footing slick, and washes may hold water for a day or two. Pack water and a hat. Shade comes and goes, and afternoons heat up fast. The Red Rock Ranger District can tell you about closures and any pass you need to leave a car at the start.

Palatki Heritage Site is managed by the USDA Forest Service, about 13 miles northwest of Sedona at the end of a dirt road. Read that last part before you set off, and check your vehicle and the weather. Hours change with the season: September to May it opens 9:30 AM to 3 PM daily, except Wednesday when it runs 9:30 to noon; June to August it opens Wednesday to Saturday, 8:30 AM to noon. A Red Rock Pass or an America the Beautiful pass is needed. The phone number is (928) 203-2900.

A B Young Trail covers 2.09 miles near Sedona, in the Red Rock Ranger District of Coconino National Forest. It is trail number 100. The typical grade is 10 to 12 percent, which is steep enough that the mileage understates the effort, and the surface is native material. It is a class 2 trail. The allowed uses are not posted, so ask before you ride. This is a well known climb and it can be busy, so an early start helps with both parking and heat. Trailhead parking details are not posted, and parking rules around Sedona change, so check before you drive out.

Adobe Jack Trail is a 2.1 mile path in the Coconino National Forest near Sedona, Arizona. The Red Rock Ranger District takes care of it. The tread is native material, so you walk on packed dirt and rock rather than pavement. Grades run about 8 to 10 percent, which means steady short climbs rather than flat walking. It is listed as trail number 660 and rated trail class 2, a simple developed path with no pavement and no railings. Wear shoes with grip, carry more water than you think you need, and check the district for closures before you drive out to the trailhead.

Aerie Trail runs 2.75 miles over native dirt and rock in the Coconino National Forest outside Sedona. Grades sit between 5 and 8 percent, so the climbing is gentle and steady rather than steep. It is listed as trail number 168 and rated trail class 2, which means a developed path with a clear tread but no pavement and no railings. The Red Rock Ranger District manages it. Shade is thin on most trails in this country, so carry more water than you think you need, start early in warm months, and check for closures before you drive to the trailhead.